Metal Roofing FAQ: Find Out the Truth

As metal roofing becomes more popular, you may have been wondering if roofs made of this material are all they’re cracked up to be.  Here are some of the most common questions people have about metal roofs.

Do I have any color options other than a metallic look?

You have many color options with metal roofing.  In fact, a lot of the roofs you may admire from a distance actually are metal roofs in beautiful colors that resemble traditional roofing.

Can I install a metal roof over my current roof?

Absolutely.  In most cases, there’s no need to remove or alter the current roof before installing a handsome metal roof.

Aside from color choices, are there different design styles for metal roofs – and is one better than another?

There are multiple styles of metal roofing.  Among the most popular are metal tiles that look amazingly like Mediterranean-style clay tiles, and ultra-durable metal panel roofing with either smooth or embossed finishes.  Talk to you dealer to determine the product that’s best for your needs.

Metal roofs are noisy, aren’t they?

A metal roof won’t produce any more noise during hail or rain than a “regular” roof.  Metal roofs are installed on top of current roofs that act as a fine insulator.  The myth that metal roofs are noisy comes from these types of roofs on barns and storage buildings where there is no underlying, insulating roof.

Is metal roofing more expensive than other kinds of roofing materials?

Out the gate, yes, but over time, no.  Quality-grade metal roofing will last two to three times longer than most standard roofing materials, and typically comes with 25- to 40-year warranties, depending on the style.  When you compare the cost of a metal roof to another kind of roof that has to be replaced every 10 or so years and repaired regularly, metal roofing is much more cost-effective.

If I get a metal roof, will it be a lightning rod?

Many people worry about this, but the worry is unfounded.  Lightning normally strikes the highest objects within an area, regardless of what those objects are made of.  Metal roofs aren’t “lightning rods.”

How do metal roofs hold up in a hail storm?

Many metal roofing products come with Underwriters’ Laboratory’s highest hail and impact-resistance rating.  Hail will not penetrate and destroy a metal roof.  Talk with your home insurance agent, because some carriers offer lower rates for homes with metal roofs.

Will a metal roof make my home a heat trap?

No – just the opposite.  Today’s metal roofs absorb relatively little heat thanks to highly reflective pigments that actually reflect the rays from the sun away from the roof.  The fact is, many homeowners enjoy a reduction of cooling bills in the summer when they have a quality metal roof.

As you can see, there is a lot to know about metal roofs, and it’s all good.  If you want to get more information to determine if a new metal roof would be a smart choice for your home, the experts at Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, Fla., are standing by to help.  Stop in and see us at 2941 Parkway St., or give us a call at (863) 648-5787.